Boot tree



Jan. 29, 1935. v J. K. JOHNSTON I 1,989,597

BOOT TREE Filed March 22, 1934 2 sheets-sheet 1 gmc/who@ IoHN K. JdHNsTo/v WM lj y Jan. 29, 1935. .1. K. JOHNSTON v BOOT TREE Filed March 22, v1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 m Il ro HN If. JOHNSTON @mmmgm Patented Jan. 29, 1935 risas-9vy BOOT TREE John Kollock Johnston, Newark, Del., assignor to National vulcanized Fibre Co., Wilmington,

Del.

Application March 22, 1934, Serial No. '716,885

2 Claims.

This invention relates to boot trees and similar devices designed for insertion in boots to preserve their shapes when not in use.

The main object of the invention is to provide a boot tree which is light and inexpensive and which can be inserted in boots and removed therefrom without the necessity of adjustment.

Another object of the invention is to provide a boot tree of this character so constructed as to give free access of air to the inside of the boot to keep the latter ventilated and thereby prevent mildewing and rotting of the leather.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent as the detailed description thereof proceeds.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a central vertical section through a boot with the boot tree elements inserted therein, parts being broken away and shown in section;

Figure 2 is a vertical section taken on the line 2 2 of Figure l;

Figure 3 is a horizontal transverse section taken on the line 3 3 of Figure l;

Figure 4 is a central vertical section taken through the leg element of the boot tree;

Figure 5 is a side elevation of the element shown in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a top plan View of the elements shown in Figures 4 and 5; and

Figure 7 is a plan view of the foot element of the boot tree.

Referring to the drawings, in which similar parts are designated by like numerals:

'I'he tree comprises two elements designated generally by the reference numerals 1 and 2. The element 2 comprises a plate 3 of sheet material, preferably of some kind of slightly flexible bre or composition so that it will yield in various directions to conform to the shape of the vamp and toe parts of the boo-t in which it is inserted. This plate will, of course, be molded somewhat roughly to conform substantially to the shape of the boot in which it is designed to be used. Howevenit must be understood that it will yield sufficiently in various directions so /as to conform generally to the shape of the vamp and toe parts and to prevent distortion of these parts while stretching them slightly to take out wrinkles.

The plate 3 has suitably connected thereto as by the rivets 4 a spring plate 5 having a knob or button 6 at the other end thereof. This knob or button 6 is intended to contact with the heel '7 of the boot B in the manner commonly used for inserting the ordinary shoe trees in the foot parts (c1.v muizen) of boots. As will be apparent from Figure 1 of the drawings, the resilience of the plate 5 forces the fibre plate 3 against the toe and vamp of the boot and stretches the leather to take out any wrinkles that may vexist therein.

The other part of the boot tree comprises the leg element l, which is formed in two similar parts 8 and 9. These parts 8 and 9 are secured to each other in spaced apart relation by means of the springs 10 and 11. The spring 10 has its lower ends suitably secured as by rivets 12 to the lower ends of the parts 8 and 9. The spring 1l has its lower ends suitably secured, as by rivets 13 to the upper ends of the parts 8 and 9. This superposed arrangement of springs keeps both springs bent in the same direction and holds the parts 8 and 9 in convenient position to be pressed towards each other to facilitate the insertion of the leg element in a boot.

It will also be apparent from Figures 2 and 6 of the drawings that the parts 8 and 9 are semicylindrical and identical in shape. This identity of shape facilitates manufacture of these parts of the invention; and renders f the leg element adaptable for easy insertion in a boot, since it is obviously immaterial on which side ofthe boot the elements are arranged.

While the foot part of the boot tree is shown as inserted in a boot, it will be obvious that it may be used as a shoe tree. The leg part of the boot tree is inserted merely by taking the formed nbre parts 8 and 9 between the hands and compressing the springs to insert the leg element in position to 'stretch the soft leather section connecting the stiff leg part of the boot to the foot part.

The new boot tree is small in size and light in weight beyond comparison to the ordinaryr cumbersome solid boot trees now in common use. Its parts are strong and durable and not likely to splinter or crack or come apart; and its construction is such that its elements conform to the inside shape of a boot better than any solid boot tree.

Numerous variations may doubtless be devised by persons skilled in the art without departing from the principles of my invention. I, therefore, desire no limitations to be imposed on my invention, except such as are indicated in the appended claims:

What 1 claim is:

-l. A boot tree including a leg part formed of two sheets shaped lengthwise and transversely to conform substantially to the shape of the leg of a boot, an inverted U-shaped spring secured at its ends to the lower ends of said sheets, and a similar spring secured at its ends to the upper ends of said sheets, said springs holding said sheets spaced apart and permitting contraction thereof for insertion in the leg of a boot or the like.

2. A boot tree including a leg part formed of two sheets shaped lengthwise and transversely to conform Asubstantially to the shape of the leg of 10 a boot, an inverted U-shaped spring secured at its ends to the lower ends of said sheets, and a similar spring secured at its ends to the upper ends of said sheets, said springs holding said sheets spaced apart and permitting contraction thereof for insertion in the leg of a boot or the like, said springs having their legs extending in the same direction, one of said springs having its bowed part projecting from said sheets to form a handle for the boot tree. p

JOHN K. JOHNSTON. 

